Pianist and composer Vadim Petrov dies at age 88

After a long illness, 88-year-old composer, pianist and music teacher Vadim Petrov died on Monday. Petrov wrote around 1,400 compositions ranging from symphonies and television productions to film music. They include themes to famous children’s programmes such as the cartoon O Krtkovi, or the Spejbl and Hurvínek puppet show.

Petrov received several awards at home and abroad, including the Supraphon gold and platinum discs. He was also a pedagogue, who founded the People’s Conservatory (today’s Jaroslav Jezek Conservatory), where he served as director until being forced to leave after the crushing of the Prague Spring. He later taught at the Prague Conservatory.